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Trade Names and Trademarks

Filing a trade name registers a business name for public record. A trade name is similar to a “doing business as” (“DBA”) name, and is not legally required but is an acceptable business practice. A trade name does not grant exclusive rights to a business name, nor is a trade name similar to a corporation or limited liability company (“LLC”). If you want to file a corporation or LLC, you need to file with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Filing a trademark registers a logo or slogan to be displayed on goods or services for public record. Trademarks also are referred to as service marks. These, too, are not required to be filed, but is an acceptable business practice.

Check filing guidelines and tips in our Trade Name and Trademark Handbook. Our office strongly suggests that customers perform extensive, independent research before registering a trade name. We cannot guarantee that chosen names will not conflict with existing business names.

What to File

Filing Fee

Checks and money orders can be made out to the “Arizona Secretary of State.” Please do not send cash by mail. We recommend paying with cash for in-person filings only.

You may expedite your application if you include an additional $25 fee.

Filing Length: Trade Names last for 5 years from the date of receipt. Trademarks last for 10 years from the date of receipt. Prior to expiration, you have up to six months to renew your trade name or trademark. If your filing is not renewed on time, your trade name or trademark can be registered by someone else.

Processing Time: 2-3 weeks. Expedited applications are processed within 1-2 days from when we receive your application.

Filing tips

Double check: is your application notarized? Did you include the filing fee?

If you are renewing your trade name or trademark, the owner must match what is currently on file with the Secretary of State, and the owner cannot be updated on a renewal. Do a search of your trade name or trademark if you do not remember how your filing is recorded. We will return any renewal if the owner does not match the information on file with our office.

A duplicate certificate is $3 and can be requested with a public records request form.

Our search website does not provide electronic images of what has been previously processed. Copies of received applications can be requested with a Public Record Request Form. Plain copies of applications on file are 10 cents per page, and include $3 extra per request if you require certified copies. A microfiche of every application is kept on file after it has been filed, cancelled or revoked.

Customers are advised to seek legal counsel in the event of a name conflict. The Secretary of State is a filing agency and not authorized to resolve legal matters involving trade name conflicts

If you have any questions, please call us at 602-542-6187 or 1-800-458-5842 or email us.